Wales’ Massive Changes for Second World Cup Match Against Portugal
Wales head coach Warren Gatland has shaken things up for Wales’ second World Cup pool match against Portugal, making an impressive 13 changes to the starting side that defeated Fiji. After a grueling and fast-paced opener in Bordeaux, Gatland has opted for an almost entirely new lineup as his team prepares for the clash in Nice this weekend.
Only two players, Taulupe Faletau and Louis Rees-Zammit, have retained their spots from the starting XV in Bordeaux. The remaining five Welsh players set to make their World Cup debuts include captain Dewi Lake, second-row Christ Tshiunza, replacement Taine Basham, and the new center pairing of Johnny Williams and Mason Grady.
There is added significance to this match as it marks Tomos Williams’ 50th Test cap for Wales, while Gareth Anscombe returns to the field after missing the warm-up matches due to an injury.
In the back three, Leigh Halfpenny has been named in the starting lineup, which will be his 10th World Cup appearance spanning three tournaments. Rio Dyer joins Rees-Zammit on the wing, making his first start of the 2023 edition.
The second row will see Exeter teammates Tshiunza and Dafydd Jenkins team up, with Tshiunza making his first start at lock for Wales.
Gatland explained, We’ve made a few changes this week given the six-day turnaround. This is an opportunity for this match day 23 to prove themselves. There’s great competition within the squad, which is what we want to see. This group now has the chance to leave their mark on the tournament.
Having analyzed last week’s game, Gatland and his team know the areas that require improvement. They have a clear plan in place for Saturday’s match and are eager to execute it as diligently as they have prepared.
Portugal, a skillful side, will be eager to kick-start their campaign as they play their first match of the tournament. Wales is excited to get back on the field and have their support from the traveling fans in Nice.
The Wales team to face Portugal is as follows: Leigh Halfpenny, Louis Rees-Zammit, Mason Grady, Johnny Williams, Rio Dyer, Gareth Anscombe, Tomos Williams, Nicky Smith, Dewi Lake (c), Dillon Lewis, Christ Tshiunza, Dafydd Jenkins, Dan Lydiate, Tommy Reffell, Taulupe Faletau.
The replacements are Ryan Elias, Corey Domachowski, Tomas Francis, Adam Beard, Taine Basham, Gareth Davies, Sam Costelow, and Josh Adams.
The changes made by Gatland demonstrate his confidence in the depth of the Welsh squad. With new faces eager to prove themselves on the big stage, Wales will be aiming to secure another victory in their World Cup campaign.
